Welcome to the Chronic Pain Studies Page

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU

MyPaTH Story Booth – COVID-19 Stories

Participants are invited to share how they are maintaining their health during the coronavirus pandemic, or to share what it is like being ill with COVID-19 and/or caring for a loved one who is ill with COVID-19. Participation in this research study involves one 45-minute session that takes place over the phone. Eligible participants must be able to read and understand English.

ACL Tear

DURATION: About 45 minutes

VISITS: No in-person visits

LOCATION: By phone

COMPENSATION: $10 gift card/story with a maximum of 2 stories, for a total of $20

Ultrasound Imaging for Myofascial Pain - Chronic Low Back Pain

Do you experience chronic low back pain? Are you 20-70 years old? You may be able to participate in a research study to help understand and diagnose low back pain using ultrasound imaging. Compensation is provided.

Chronic Pain

AGE: 20-70

DURATION: 2 weeks

VISITS: 2 in-person visits

LOCATION: University of Pittsburgh - Main Campus

COMPENSATION: $200

Bone Adaptations to Physical Training

The primary purpose is to determine the bone density, structure and strength adaptations that result from various exercise programs which differ based on the frequency and intensity of bone loading. Subjects will complete 24 weeks of resistance training or maintain their current activity level without beginning any formal exercise training program and participate in laboratory visits.

Arthritis

Bones, Joints, and Muscles

DURATION: 6 months

VISITS: 6 (plus possible training visits)

LOCATION: University of Pittsburgh - Oakland

COMPENSATION: $1000

Chronic Low Back Pain with Mood Symptoms Study

Have you had chronic low back pain for at least six months and also have depression or anxiety symptoms? Are you aged 18-75? You may be able to participate in a research study to compare antidepressant medication and physical therapy for people with chronic low back who also have anxiety and depression symptoms. Compensation is provided.

DURATION: 8 months

VISITS: 6-12 visits in the first 4 months

LOCATION: UPMC Pain Medicine Clinic - Shadyside, Online, & by Phone

COMPENSATION: Up to $220 & public transportation reimbursement

Reducing Inflammation for Greater Health Trial: The RIGHT Study

Are you 70 years old or older? You may be eligible for a research study to test whether a medication that blocks inflammation can improve energy level and walking ability. Compensation is provided.

Arthritis

Bones, Joints, and Muscles

Chronic Pain

Healthy Aging

And 4 more areas

AGE: 70 and older

DURATION: 14 months

VISITS: 6 in-person visits with monthly injections

LOCATION: Health Studies Research Center (HSRC)

COMPENSATION: Up to $350

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

Painimation Mobile App

Do you have chronic pain? Are you over the age of 18? If yes, you qualify to participate in a short research study to test a new pain assessment tool that uses abstract animations to help describe and measure pain. Research participation involves downloading an app on your mobile phone and answering a few questions on the app.

Chronic Pain

AGE: 18 and up

DURATION: Approximately 20 minutes

VISITS: one online session using our app

LOCATION: Online

COMPENSATION: NONE

All of Us Pennsylvania Research Program

All of Us wants at least one million people to join. Your participation can help shape the future of health for generations to come. People who join will share information. This might be about their health, habits, and what it’s like where they live. It might also be about family history and genes. By looking for patterns, researchers may learn more about what affects people’s health.

VISITS: one in person visit

LOCATION: Convenient locations throughout Pennsylvania

COMPENSATION: $25.00 gift card

Spinal Cord Stimulation for the treatment of motor deficits in people with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Are you affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy? You may be able to participate in a research study using spinal cord stimulation (SCS), an approved clinical therapy for pain syndromes that do not respond to drugs. Unexpectedly, SCS has shown the ability to promote the recovery of leg motor function in people with complete motor paralysis in consequence of spinal cord injury years after injury.

DURATION: 9 months

VISITS: 35 visits

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian

COMPENSATION: $1750

RELATED RESEARCH AREAS:

Bones, Joints, and Muscles